Anti-Aging For Your Health and Happiness!

Anti-aging addresses how to prevent, slow, or reverse the effects of aging and help people live longer, healthier, happier lives. It includes scientific research and applications in genetic engineering, tissue engineering, and other medical advances, e.g., finding treatments and cures for Alzheimer's disease. It includes anti-aging psychology, e.g., coping skills for resiliently handling change, stress, and aging.

The anti-aging marketplace includes nutrition, physical fitness, skin care, hormone replacements, vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Alternative medicine and holistic approaches have often been an incubator for approaches initially shunned by traditional medicine. Life extension is arguably the most scientifically rigorous part of anti-aging, being a research program focused on slowing down, repairing or reversing the underlying processes of biological senescence in order to deliver improved health and quality of life. (Despite the name, increasing mean or maximum lifespan is not necessarily the main goal).

Leading sources of anti-aging information include the Life Extension Foundation (focusing on research and supplements), the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (focusing on anti-aging physicians and cutting edge treatments), Andrew Weil (focusing on alternative medicine, holistic health, and herbal supplements), the Chopra Center for Wellbeing (focusing on mind-body medicine and integrating Eastern and Western medicine), and the Ageless Lifestyles Institute (focusing on anti-aging psychology). In India, some anti-aging activities are studied by Center for Longevity combining western medical approaches with Siddha Vaidya nd Ayurveda.

***Special Note: This article is so fantastic,I chose it to represent the basis of this lens. It is broken up into different categories throughout the lens, with references and credits where due.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF ANTI-AGING MEDICINE
1. The three basic rules of anti-aging

Don't get sick
Don't get old
Don't die
The longer you live, the better your chances are for living even longer. 'Bridge the gap to Immortality' by taking good care of your physical and mental self, you will be around to avail yourself of the latest biotechnological advancements to further optimize your life and achieve that triple-digit lifespan.

2. Engage in early detection and regular screenings

Engage in early detection and regular screenings, offering the very first opportunities to identify, prevent, and intervene effectively in disease. The alternative?: Costly healthcare for the aging population which will bankrupt the nation's public and private healthcare programs:

Disease: Cost for care per person per day
Alzheimer's Disease: over $100
Stroke: $ 37
Parkinson's Disease: $10-$25
Osteoporosis: over $14
Cancers (various types): $5 to $10

3. From vanity to a vision of optimal health.

Every day, consumers are flocking to doctors' offices in search of ways to erase life's little signs of age: an expanding waistline, the receding hairline, skin that has lost its youthful suppleness and glow, the list goes on. About 77% of all Americans now living were born after 1939 and many of these folks are noticing these signs of aging in their mirrors, on their bath scales, and in the job market.

While many anti-aging patients first see an anti-aging specialist for reasons of vanity, in many instances, how these patients look reflects on how their body's systems, organs, tissues, and cells are functioning. The health and well-being of the majority of cosmetically-oriented patients often can be improved by a qualified anti-aging physician, such as one certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine (ABAAM).

As physicians keenly interested in the long-term whole-body physical, mental, and spiritual health of patients, anti-aging doctors employ innovative diagnostics and therapeutic interventions to detect, prevent, and treat aging-related diseases.

4. Anti-aging medicine IS NOT solely hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Anti-aging is a multidisciplinary approach to whole-body wellness and longevity, incorporating a variety of treatments as medically appropriate.

5. Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you do opt for hormone replacement therapy, make sure your doctor employs only natural, bio-identical hormones (BHRT). BHRTs have the same chemical structure as their counterparts that occur naturally in the human body. BHRT hormones are therefore able to fully replicate the original functions with little or no adverse side effect profile. Make sure your doctor first tests for your baseline levels, explains to you safe target increases to achieve youthful levels, and monitors you every 3-6 months.

An anti-aging physician, certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine or health practitioner credentialed by the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners, can serve as your partner in achieving optimal fitness and health. Locate one in your area using our Anti-Aging Directory or by requesting a personalized physician referral from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Call 800.558.1267 or email a4m@worldhealth.net.

6. Get free life-enhancing, life-extending information.

Regularly visit The World Health Network, the Internet's #1 anti-aging portal, with thousands of pages of free information on hundreds of health topics. You can stay up to date with the latest anti-aging news by subscribing to our RSS feed.

Be sure to subscribe to the free e-newsletter to stay alert of the latest in longevity advancements.

7. Public education = patient empowerment.

We are firm believers that knowledge is power, and that all consumers should have access to the latest science presented in a manner that non-scientists can understand. To that end, A4M makes available on the web its award-winning magazine content featuring original scholarly articles, as well as Academy White Papers and Official Statements. Available at no charge and accessible at The A4M's Special Information Center, www.a4minfo.net.

8. Join the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)

Join the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), the world's leading nonprofit medical organization dedicated to the exploration and application of innovative diagnostics and therapeutic interventions that aim to detect, prevent, and treat aging related diseases. A4M unites physicians, health practitioners, scientists, and health-conscious consumers in a spirit of cooperation to promote a scientifically validated whole-body approach to aging intervention. Call 800.558.1267 or complete the online NEEDS LINK New Member Application.

9. Rev up your metabolism, and revive your muscle mass.

Typically, a loss of muscle mass, accompanied by a gain in fat mass, occurs with aging. However, researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science have found that we can control our metabolic rate and thereby improve our physique as we age.

The singlemost important determinant of metabolic rate is lean body mass. The more lean tissue you have, the higher your metabolic rate: put simply, an active body is too busy processing calories to store extra as fat. Strength-training exercises can raise our metabolic rate by about 30-50 calories per day, and over the course of three months of strength-training that is appropriately designed for your needs, you can gain about 3 pounds of muscle, amounting to a total boost in the basal (resting) metabolic rate of 7%.

10. Chores are good for you.

The Nurses' Health Study, a 20+ year-long study of over 80,000 women between the ages of 34 and 59, found that sedentary women who began to engage in heavy gardening or heavy housework became the least likely to die a premature death.
J Public Heath, April 2001, via Fitness Management August 2001.
11. Become a Brainiac

Studying brain scans of men and women age 55+, University of Illinois researchers have found that men who regularly worked out lost significantly less brain tissue as they aged than men who exercised rarely or not at all. Study author Dr. Arthur Kramer remarked that this is proof that working out can keep your memory strong and prevent the loss of cognitive function as you get older.

12. Sweat it out

Researchers from Oklahoma State University found that sweating is beneficial for mental health. Enjoy a post-exercise sauna with friends and you will find that 'sweat therapy' provides relaxation and stress relief. The team also found the therapy to promote conversation between sauna participants, establishing a positive social setting.
Susman E., 'Sweating might be good for the mind' UPI Science News, Aug. 18, 2003.

13. Watch the water

Excessive fluid intake during exercise can be dangerous, and potentially fatal. University of South Africa researchers warn that consuming a lot of water during exercise can cause a condition called hyponatremic encephalopathy, where a lack of salt in the blood causes the brain to swell. To-date, 250 cases of this condition have been reported and at least 7 people killed including a 28-year old woman runner in the 2002 Boston Marathon. To quench thirst, limit water intake to 400-800 ml (14-28 fluid ounces) per hour of physical activity.
British Medical Journal 2003;327:113-114.

14. Attack of the Killer Baby Fat.

A Norwegian study of 227,000 people found that men who were under- or over-weight as teenagers have a greater chance of dying during adulthood than their ideally-weighted peers. Exercise can help you stave off a premature death due to your weight woes, the researchers finding that working out for just 1/2 hour a day can increase your chances of reaching age 90 by up to 31%.

15. Get a dog.

Man's best friend can be your personal fitness trainer. Requiring frequent walks but sharing unconditional love with its owner, a dog (well matched for your lifestyle and personality) will be bring much joy while helping you shed pounds.
Klatz, Ten Weeks to a Younger You, 1999.

16. Can't play the pain card

Make no mistake or excuses, muscle pain and discomfort are no longer acceptable excuses to avoid regular exercise. After working out, try taking Alka-Seltzer, which contains sodium bicarbonate and aspirin. The sodium bicarb inactivates the lactic acid produced by muscles during exertion, while the aspirin helps ease the pain while kidneys flush the toxins. [Not recommended for those allergic to ingredients of Alka-Seltzer, or to those with kidney or liver problems.]

17. Caffeine

Researchers at the Australian Institute of Sport found that athletes who consumed a small intake of caffeine before exercise could continue for up to 30 minutes longer than those who had not consumed it. The caffeine also enabled the athletes to increase the amount of weight lost during physical activity. It also produced a 3.5% increase in exercise capacity.

The team suggests that substances in caffeine trigger muscles to use fat to fuel exercise instead of using the usual stores of carbohydrates. Other studies have found that caffeine taken during exercise can delay the onset of fatigue by up to 60%. (Intakes tested have typically been modest, ie 6-8 ounces of cola or coffee.)
'Caffeine boosts athletes' stamina' Nutraingredients.com, Aug. 5, 2003

18. Work out at work.

If you are one of the millions with a desk job, be sure to get out of your chair once an hour for 5-10 minutes to do some standing stretches. Gently stretch your shoulders, arms, neck, back, sides, chest, and calves. This can improve circulation and relieve neck and back stiffness. Done regularly, this also can improve your motivation to do some serious aerobic exercise after your workday ends.
Shea M, 'Better Fitness' Parade magazine, July 2, 2000, p. 7.

19. Rise early, raise testosterone naturally.

Researchers from the University of California/San Diego School of Medicine found that early-morning light raised levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) by 70%. LH is involved in the production of testosterone, a hormone which can help men to build muscle, cut fat, and raise mood.

20. Clear bad estrogens.

Men need estrogen, typically known as the women's hormone, but men need to avoid "estrogen dominance," which can cause weight gain, fat accumulation, and fatigue. Achieve a balanced ratio of testosterone to estrogen to di-hydrotestosterone.

Estrogen-clearing exercises:

Exercise 15 minutes or more per day with resistance training. Work out with little or no rest between sets, employing sufficient repetitions to get a training effect for your heart and lungs.

21. Ensure adequate protein intake from quality foods.

Don't forget to consume protease enzymes to help you absorb the protein you ingest. These enzymes are available by consuming plentiful quantities of raw vegetables and fruits.

22. Sports performance supplements

Sports performance supplements such as DIM., Indol-3 Carbinol, Chrysin, Calcium D-Glucarate are designed to clear excess estrogens from male bodies.

23. Out of sight, out of mind.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate, is common in aging men. Its most bothersome manifestation is having increased nighttime awakenings to go to the bathroom. Men over the age of 40 should see their doctor to have regular prostate exams and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screenings. Prostate exercise and massage will help to strengthen the organ as well.

24. Premenopausal women should exercise regularly.

The positive effects of moderate exercise on mood and general health in premenopausal women are well documented. Moderate aerobic exercise, 3 times a week, significantly reduces premenstrual symptoms.

25. Premenstrual tension

Moodiness, irritability, anxiety, anger, etc. that onset just before a period can be relieved by aerobic exercise. As little as 20 minutes a day of an aerobic activity you enjoy can reduce water retention, boost the brain's production of endorphins neurotransmitters that make us feel good, and improve appetite.

26. Menopause & heart disease.

Research from the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) link psychological factors such as anger and anxiety to heart disease, resulting from impaired artery function. As a result, exercise, which can dilate (open) blood vessels, may be of particular benefit to healthy postmenopausal women.

27. Menopause & brittle bones.

A team from Brandeis University (Massachusetts) oversaw a survey of 402 women ages 45 to 75 from across the country, which found the while 64% were aware that while menopause can trigger osteoporosis, most did not know that natural interventions î º including moderate weight-training î º can help to control the onset and progression of the disease. It'll also help tone and firm up your muscles so you can still turn heads while donning that 'little black dress.'

28. "Shop, don't drop"

Older women living in neighborhoods in which they have access to facilities like parks, trails, or shops have considerably higher levels of activity that those who lives outside 20 minutes walking distance of such locations. Women who lived within close proximity to a department, discount, or hardware store averaged 6,808 steps a day, versus 5,015 steps who did not live near such stores.

Senior investigator DR. Andrea Kriska at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center remarked that this study has great implications for the health of older women. To heed the advice [relating to the growing epidemic of inactivity and obesity], Dr Kriska encourages the removal of environmental barriers preventing [older women] from getting daily exercise.

29. Choose color
30. Therapeutic tomatoes
31. Go fish
32. Broccoli for Prez Bush and the rest of us
33. 'Mares eat oats' and so should we
34. Yummie yogurt
35. Hail the exotic guava!
36. Calming power of chile pepper
37. Whey to go!
38. Pizza fights cancer
39. Beware the poisonous fat
40. Eat smarter, feel better, and look better
41. Chocolate fantasia

Don't Get Bugged Out

42. Germs lurk in the most unsuspecting places
43. Launder your gym towel daily
44. Dip with caution
45. Cut down on carbs and sweets
46. Distance yourself

Lifestyle - Spice Up Your Sex Life

47. Erect your way to a longer and healthier lifespan
48. Sex your way to youthful appearance
49. Peddle what you've got
50. Get the sex drive pumping first with exercise
51. Start early to stay on-track with sexual performance

Lifestyle Basics

52. Stay slim
53. Avoid trauma
54. Snub out the cigs
55. Multivitamin, multimineral supplementation
56. Antioxidants
57. An aspirin a day keeps death away
58. Say No to Alzheimers with NSAIDs
59. Water quality
60. The brain is a muscle
61. Moderate, responsible drinking
62. Wear sunscreen
63. Cut Your Cellphone Use
64. Laugh through life
65. Live life at a leisurely pace
66. Maintain social connections
67. Banish stress
68. Get a good night of sleep every night
69. Be selfish

Cardiovascular Disease

70. DHEA as Heart Protector
71. Vitamin C as Heart Protector
72. The Mediterranean Diet reaffirmed as heart-healthy
73. An aspirin a day keeps the attack away
74. Go nutty

Alzheimer's Disease

75. Low bone mass correlated to Alzheimer's
76. Lithium shows promise in treating AD
77. Depression predisposes AD
78. Copper may precipitate AD
79. Infections cause mental decline

Cancers

80. Whey (see 'Food Facts' #6) protein may help protect the body from prostate cancer
81. Finasteride, a testosterone-lowering drug, lowered prostate cancer risk by 25%
82. A human trial of a new experimental vaccine 'a type of gene therapy' for prostate cancer
83. Too much zinc may be increasing their risk of developing prostate cancer
84. Lifetime risk of female cancers
85. Women with high levels of plasma cysteine, were 56% less likely to develop breast cancer
86. Extra intake of the trace element selenium
87. Soy-based isoflavones and lignans, reduced the risk of endometrial cancer
88. Minimize consumption of alcohol, avoid salad dressings, margarines, and other foods high in soybean oil
89. Innovative Nutritional Discoveries Relating to Cancer Prevention & Treatment
90. Vitamin C cuts secondhand smoking cancer risk
91. Green tea a potent cancer fighter
92. 'Beans, Beans, Good for the Heart'!
93. Berry good for you
94. Cure-cumin for Cancer?

Cerebrovascular Incidents

95. Chronic headaches may predict men's stroke risk
96. Rum & cola Rx
97. Rescuing brain cells from death

Diabetes

98. Be more sensitive
99. Eat smart
100. Take your multivitamin
101. Jokesters welcome